The United States has issued a stark warning about China’s historic military buildup at the Reagan National Defense Forum on December 5, 2025. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth highlighted China’s rapid naval expansion, which has led to the world’s largest navy with shipbuilding capacity 230% greater than the U.S., alongside a swiftly modernizing nuclear arsenal and growing military ties with Russia. These developments underscore the urgent need for the U.S. to revitalize its defense industrial base to maintain strategic balance. While not explicitly mentioned, these concerns closely align with India’s security priorities given China’s expanding footprint in the Indo-Pacific, including increased presence in the Indian Ocean and militarization of critical maritime zones. This U.S. emphasis on strengthening defense readiness directly supports India’s efforts to counterbalance China’s regional ambitions and enhance Indo-Pacific stability.